Background: Children and youth often have challenges processing and integrating sen-sory information. Such challenges are increasingly common and can significantly impact development, learning, behavior, well-being and participation in everyday activities. Parents and caregivers frequently seek referrals to address these challenges. Thus, we offer evidence-based assessment and intervention information and guidance to primary care providers supporting these children and their families. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature to extract information on 1) key features of sensory in-tegration challenges; 2) potential impact of these challenges on development, learning, and behavior; and 3) the process of making referrals for appropriate, evidence-based services. Results: We identified commonly reported areas of concern linked to sensory responsivity, sensory perception, and sensory-motor functions and generated critical considerations for identifying appropriate, evidence-based services. We used these find-ings to develop a Sensory Integration Decision Guide. Conclusions: The Sensory Integration Decision Guide provides primary care providers with a systematic process for detecting sensory integration challenges and referring to specialized occupational therapy services. Through informed clinical decision-making, this guide offers supports that will facilitate the well-being and participation in everyday activities for these children. Future studies will need to determine the benefit of this tool for professionals in primary care.
Lane et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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